When should you consider deleting commented-out code?

Choosing to delete commented-out code when clarity and readability are essential for maintenance is an important practice in software development. Commented-out code can create confusion for developers who are reading and trying to understand the codebase. It may lead to misinterpretation about the functionality of the code and its purpose, as the presence of old or unused code can obscure a clear understanding of the current implementation.

By removing commented-out code, you help maintain a cleaner and more organized codebase. This enhances the ability for current and future developers to navigate the code efficiently, reduces cognitive load, and minimizes the risk of accidental reintroduction of obsolete logic. Keeping code that doesn't contribute to functionality—especially when it is not actively being used—can hinder the development process over time, making it more challenging to maintain and evolve the system.

While there might be scenarios where keeping commented-out code could be justified, if ongoing clarity and maintainability are primary goals, deleting unnecessary commented-out code is advisable.